Colton FC960 Solid Foam Collar Rigid inflatable boat

Position: Fleet Manager & Lead Captain, Moana Pearl Expeditions
Location: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Product: 960cm Solid Foam Collars Aluminum Rigid Inflatable Boat (Model: FC960)
Application: Lagoon tours, remote atoll supply runs, open ocean crossings (Tuamotus to Marquesas)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Feedback: "The Perfect Vessel for Polynesian Waters – No Compromises"

Ia Orana from Tahiti!

As an expedition company operating across 5 archipelagos—from the calm turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora to the violent passes of the Tuamotus—we need a boat that refuses to fail. After 14 months of daily operation with two 960cm Solid Foam Collars Aluminum RIBs from Colton Boat Company, I can honestly say: this is the toughest, smartest platform we have ever deployed.

Why the 9.60m length works for us:
This is the Goldilocks size for French Polynesia. Large enough to carry 14 passengers + diving gear across 50 nautical miles of open swell, yet agile enough to thread through coral bommies at low tide. The solid foam collars have been a revelation—no inflation, no puncture worries from Tridacna clam shells or razor coral. Our old PVC RIBs would fail monthly. These Colton foam collars? Zero failures.

Performance in Open Ocean (Tuamotu to Marquesas):
We regularly cross the Mare Nullius between Rangiroa and Nuku Hiva—a notoriously rough stretch with 2-3m trade wind swell. The 960cm aluminum hull cuts through like a knife. The weight distribution is perfect; no porpoising, no bow slamming. Even with full fuel (400L) and 10 passengers, the boat remains dry and stable. The hard-chine design gives us confidence when transiting dangerous passes like Tiputa Pass at peak current.

Solid Foam Collars – A Game Changer for the Tropics:
Let me emphasize this: solid foam collars are superior to air in every way for our environment. No patching. No pressure checks under the scorching sun. No worries about sea urchins or stray hooks. The foam provides incredible lateral stability—we can put 6 people on one gunwale to film sharks, and the boat barely lists. Plus, the foam acts as thermal insulation against the hot aluminum deck. Our clients' bare feet thank you.

Aluminum Durability:
We beached this boat daily on sharp coral sand and volcanic rock. After 400+ landings, the 5mm bottom plate shows nothing but cosmetic scrapes. No corrosion, no pitting—thanks to your marine-grade 5083 alloy and proper sacrificial anodes. In our warm, high-salinity water, corrosion kills boats in 2 years. These Colton boats look and perform like day one.

What we love most:

• Low maintenance: Wash with fresh water once a week. That's it.

• Tow capability: We've towed disabled catamarans with ease thanks to the reinforced towing eye.

• Custom layout: Your team added dive tank racks and a foldable T-top for sun protection. Perfect.

• Fuel efficiency: Twin 150HP outboards push this boat at 35 knots cruise while sipping fuel. Our operating costs dropped 30%.

Any downsides?
The solid foam collars are heavier than inflatables, so crane launching requires a slightly beefier davit. That's the only trade-off. Worth it for the durability.

Final verdict for other tropical operators:
If you operate in coral-rich, high-UV, remote environments like French Polynesia, Maldives, or the Caribbean—stop buying inflatable RIBs. The Colton 960cm Solid Foam Collars Aluminum RIB is the last boat you will ever need to buy. It is bombproof, safe, and brilliantly designed.

Mauruuru roa (thank you very much), Colton Boat Company. You have a fleet customer for life in the South Pacific.